Mastering the Semicolon: Essential Punctuation Skills

What is the most commonly misused piece of punctuation according to the teacher?

• Period

• Comma

• Semicolon

• Colon

What two components must a group of words have to be considered a clause?

• A subject and a verb

• A verb and an adjective

• A noun and a pronoun

• A subject and an object

Which type of clause can stand alone as a complete sentence?

• Subordinate clause

• Independent clause

• Relative clause

• Dependent clause

What is the primary function of a semicolon?

• To end a sentence

• To introduce a quote

• To separate items in a list

• To join two independent clauses

When should you use a semicolon instead of a period?

• When the two clauses are dependent

• When the two clauses are unrelated

• When the two clauses are questions

• When the two clauses are closely related

Which of the following is NOT a common conjunctive adverb?

• Otherwise

• Therefore

• However

• And

How should you punctuate a sentence with a conjunctive adverb like 'however'?

• Semicolon before and comma after the word

• Comma before and after the word

• Period before and after the word

• Colon before and after the word

What should you do if you find both sides of a conjunctive adverb are independent clauses?

• Use a period before and after the word

• Use a comma before and after the word

• Use a colon before and after the word

• Use a semicolon before and a comma after the word

What should you do if you are unsure about using a semicolon?

• Use a comma instead

• Avoid using any punctuation

• Use a period instead

• Do the independent clause check

What is the teacher's rule of thumb for using semicolons in writing?

• One semicolon per essay

• One semicolon per page

• One semicolon per paragraph

• One semicolon per sentence